I am busy getting stuck in to a MASSIVE project.
I'm writing a book.
A publisher is excited about it and says it will be, "A very important book". I feel empowered, a little bit smug, and fiercely determined to get this thing done.
I'm working hard and writing every day and researching my face off. Shall I tell you about it? I'm going to, actually.
If you don't know me, I'm a First Aid trainer. A good one, as it goes, and I take it seriously. I learned to teach working for a massive, well known training company, went freelance after that, and have since worked under the hats of more enormous companies, teaching all over the country in some huge organisations. I set up my own company and am now able to certify under an awarding body without having to wear other peoples' hats. Having been a workplace First Aider under several guises for 20+ years, I am experienced, knowledgeable, and suitably jaded by the whole affair. In a positive way, if you can imagine such an emotion.
The book I am writing is an hybrid First Aid manual which is shaping up to be disruptive, unconventional, and was always intended to push boundaries. Factually, on the manual side, it will be untouchable and will provide up to date techniques and accepted practice according to latest updates from bodies like the UK and EU Resuscitation Councils, the NHS, and other top medical sources. Nothing to worry about there, and nothing particularly contraversial about it.
Around the edges of the practices taught in this book, though, will be boundary-shoving copy designed to help readers understand the reality of First Aid. Herein lies the first reason for creating this publication. I have found myself tired of handing out generic, tick-box text books to my delegates which do not reflect my truthful way of teaching. Incidentally, an awful lot of these are the same book lazily plastered with each companies' logo and passed off as their own.
None of the books I have encountered are truthful enough. I'm throwing out a sweeping generalisation here, full of grumpy personal opinion not designed to cause offence, more to outline the bubbling frustration which has spurred me into action. To my mind, these books don't give enough detail around the myriad ways a casualty might present their symptoms. Or behave. Or the way a situation can change. It's all very much, "This is the body, this is what it does, this is what you do to help. Every time.", and I simply do not agree with this approach. The simple fact is that not every casualty will be obvious in their presentation of symptoms.
Let's take a quick look at a couple of obvious ones to illustrate the point: Heart attack first - these can present in SO many different ways. Men are often lovely and obvious in their symptoms and a First Aider can relatively easily work out what's wrong. Yet sometimes they think they have indigestion. Women often have a bad back and a cough but are not nearly so obvious with other signs. How about stroke? Sometimes lucky First Aiders are presented with those easy tell-tale signs like drooping on one side of the face and difficulty lifting an arm. You wouldn't belive the amount of stories I have heard from stroke survivors who have furnished me with anecdotes along the lines of, "I dropped my keys a couple of times and I don't remember the next three weeks.". There's more. Loads more. You'll have to buy the book.
What I'm getting at is that I intend this book to give a broader, more realistic vision of what the life of a First Aider looks like. My intention is to instil a new attitude; the one I take as a seasoned, experienced First Aider with countless confusing situations under my belt. It consists of an holistic approach and involves taking a step back to take in the whole situation, fully aware that I am not in any way a medical mind and totally accepting of the fact that I have no idea what's going on. I need to look harder, notice everything. Act quickly when I need to. I have learned how to get my game face on and file it all under 'freak out about later'. This skill is not talked about in the usual manuals.
There are more reasons. Sides of society which are not discussed. Taboo subjects which apparently don't warrant mentioning - they absolutely do, and believe me they will. Huge gaps in the knowledge of First Aiders. My research is leading me down some extraordinary avenues and I'm exploring some ideas which could really help shed much needed light into a few dark corners.
If you've got this far, keep going.
Here's the team so far:
-Me. Writer of book, trainer, First Aider, eccentric,
-A Doctor of Psychology to lend an insightful and thought opening psych perspective. Also an experienced First Aider,
-A Sports Rehabilitator to chip in on specific injuries and muscular issues - one of the most incredible First Aiders I've ever witnessed. Formidable,
-An absolutely stunning illustrator whose artwork will be exquisite and whom I am a little bit tearful to have on board
And here's what I'm looking for:
-Contributors - testimonial from First Aiders, other trainers, front line medical minds, survivors of illness/injury to give as many different perspectives as possible and illustrate all those ways we're different,
-Collaborators - there will be video content to back up the teachings in the manual and it doesn't all have to come from me,
- I am particularly interested in collaborating with schools, colleges, universities etc.- I want to offer the opportunity to media students over big production companies - we'll need photography, make up, acting skills, film people, post-production - any way I can elbow my way onto a syllabus and let the media gurus of tomorrow get some credit, I'm in.
- I will be filming EVERYTHING and creating a documentary to complement the book. Also podcasting about it all. Hit me up with ideas/guests/cunning plans - I'm absolutely all ears.
-A charity partner - I want at least 10% of any revenue to go to a brilliant cause. Open to suggestions and absolutely willing to dive into some collaboration there, too
-Sponsors - I'm not shy about the fact that I have a brilliant idea and it's going to be awesome, neither am I shy about the fact that I can't actually afford to pay for it. There's space for ads and articles and all sorts, just set me up with some funds - I'm totally transparent about where money is needed and how it will be used - see below for a link to a page where it's all set out.
Right. Well. Colour me outed and accountable. I'd better get this done now you know about it.
This is my 'Buy me a coffee' page where you can help out by buying things, joining the members' club, and generally showing your support: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/emay
This is the website: https://www.fiercefirstaid.co.uk
What I need from you, dear reader, is to share this and all posts, to tell your friends, your gran, your enemies (I'm not precious), encourage everyone you know to get excited about this book. I need customers to buy my brilliant courses and help me pay for it, I need sponsors to help me pay for it, I need friends to keep me accountable and hold my hand. What are you waiting for? Get sharing!